Baidu AI Tools Aim to Boost Smes During Economic Slowdown

Baidu AI Tools Aim to Boost Smes During Economic Slowdown

Facing a consumption market downturn, SMEs are struggling. Baidu Ai Purchasing's strategic cooperation with Yiwu Commodity City, focusing on the consumer goods market, may offer new growth opportunities for SMEs. SMEs should seize this opportunity and actively embrace digital transformation. Simultaneously, focusing on brand building and user experience is crucial for SMEs to stand out in the competitive market. This collaboration aims to provide SMEs with broader market access and enhanced digital capabilities, ultimately contributing to their sustainable development and resilience in a challenging economic climate.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

The pandemic has fueled the development of "Contactless Commerce," but its core remains cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Unmanned retail has cooled down, while smart express cabinets and meal pickup cabinets are dominated by giants. Robotic food delivery faces practical challenges. Policy support and changing consumer attitudes bring opportunities, but labor costs and technological bottlenecks still exist. In the future, the development of "Contactless Commerce" may be driven by public health factors. The key is balancing innovation with practical implementation and addressing existing limitations.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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2023 Guide Shortform Video Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce

2023 Guide Shortform Video Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce

This article delves into the 2023 trends in overseas short video marketing, emphasizing its pivotal role in reshaping consumer decisions. It proposes five key strategies: capitalizing on video marketing potential, creating brand-aligned content, employing a 'fast, short, and accessible' approach, leveraging local KOLs/KOCs, and utilizing data-driven optimization. The article also highlights the significance of video advertising in cross-border e-commerce, providing practical guidance for businesses looking to expand their reach and engage with international audiences through compelling short-form video content.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Coal Gains Offset Broader Demand Slump

US Rail Freight Coal Gains Offset Broader Demand Slump

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending May 21st. While coal carloads saw an increase, categories like grain and metals declined. Cumulative data shows a slight increase in rail freight volume but a decrease in intermodal volume. Economic downturn, supply chain issues, and changing consumer patterns are major contributing factors. The future market outlook remains uncertain. This decline reflects broader economic trends and highlights the challenges facing the rail industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines As Supply Chain Woes Spur Innovation

US Rail Freight Declines As Supply Chain Woes Spur Innovation

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have declined year-over-year, reflecting market pressure. Growth in categories like coal and chemicals offers hope, while declines in grains and metals are concerning. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, and geopolitical risks are primary drivers. Logistics companies need to optimize supply chains, improve efficiency, expand services, and pay attention to market changes to achieve transformation and upgrading. The decline highlights the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainties and evolving consumer demands.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year in late July, driven by automobiles, coal, and farm products. However, container traffic declined by 2.5% year-over-year, reflecting cooling consumer demand. Year-to-date, total U.S. rail freight volume remains down compared to the previous year, and overall North American freight volume also shows weakness, suggesting challenges for U.S. economic growth. The decline in container shipments is a key indicator of potentially slowing economic activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carloads Rise Containers Fall in July

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carloads Rise Containers Fall in July

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year in late July, while container volume decreased by 2.5% year-over-year. The carload traffic growth was mainly driven by automobiles, coal, and agricultural products, while the decline was influenced by metallic ores, petroleum, etc. The decrease in container volume may be related to port congestion, labor shortages, and slowing consumer demand. Businesses need to pay attention to data changes and adjust their supply chain strategies accordingly.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 26th, both U.S. rail freight volume and intermodal volume decreased year-over-year, reflecting downward economic pressure. While some commodity categories saw increased freight volume, coal and grain shipments declined significantly. The notable decrease in intermodal volume may be attributed to competition from trucking, easing port congestion, and weakening consumer demand. The rail transportation industry needs to improve efficiency, expand its business scope, and adapt to environmental requirements.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Shift Focus to Lastmile Delivery Efficiency

Retailers Shift Focus to Lastmile Delivery Efficiency

CBRE research indicates that last-mile distribution centers in major US cities are located an average of 6-9 miles from population centers, highlighting efficiency as the core principle rather than literal distance. Consumer expectations for rapid delivery are driving locational shifts in distribution facilities, impacting not only e-commerce but also a broader range of service industries. The distance of delivery is significantly shrinking over time, reflecting the growing demand for faster fulfillment and the increasing importance of strategic placement for last-mile operations.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, U.S. intermodal volumes continued to decline in June, although the rate of decrease narrowed. The overall downward trend persists, primarily driven by economic downturn, changing consumer behavior, inventory adjustments, and shifts in transportation modes. The association's president believes that challenges and opportunities coexist. Inventory reshaping, cross-border trade, and the West Coast labor agreement are potential growth areas. Businesses should closely monitor the market, optimize inventory, re-evaluate transportation strategies, strengthen collaboration, and invest in technological innovation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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